Career

DeParle was a partner at the law firm of Bass, Berry & Sims in Nashville before serving
as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services in
the cabinet of Governor Ned McWherter from 1987 to 1989.

Corporate
connections

DeParle has drawn criticism for her lucrative service on
corporate boards after her tenure in the Clinton administration. Msnbc.com reported that she
was paid more than $6 million, and served as a director of half a
dozen companies that faced federal investigations, whistleblower
lawsuits and other regulatory actions. Many of these companies have
a stake in the health care reform that she is leading.[7]